The Lakota Sioux Poem by Jim Yerman

I'm no expert on the Native American culture but I like the point of view
Of many of their beliefs and traditions...take, for instance, the Lakota Sioux.

Look at their name for example, and you'll begin to comprehend...
They chose the name Lakota because it, essentially, means...friend.

The Lakota were very spiritual and with the land they would connect
They believed that all life, visible and invisible deserved reverence and respect.

They believed in the Morning Star, the first star shining in the East,
Which would greet them in the morning once the evening tide had ceased.

They gave great importance to this star and on it they would pray
For they relished what it meant to them...the gift of a new day.

They kept dream catchers over their beds so once they bid the day adieu
It would catch the good dreams in its web while the bad ones would slip through.

They believed in a healthy mind and body, and when the day was done
They believed in nature and trust and balance before the passing of each sun.

As I look at our America today and wonder could it possibly get any worse
Perhaps is't time to heed the words and traditions of the people who settled here first.